iWatch watch —

Apple files trademark for “iWatch” moniker in Japan

It's been a while since we've heard anything concrete on Apple's rumored "iWatch" device, but Bloomberg now reports that Apple has filed on June 3 to trademark that name in Japan. This doesn't necessarily mean anything—companies file for protective trademarks all the time—but it's one more indication that Apple is dabbling in wearable computing.

iWatch rumors have been flying for most of the year, but we still don't have a clear idea of what the gadget might look like (or what it would do) if it ever comes to market. One report said that the watch would run a version of iOS but suggested that battery life issues could be holding it back. The watch might also include a pedometer and other sensors to help it compete with fitness gadgets like Nike's FuelBand and the Fitbit.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously said that "amazing new hardware" would be coming out this fall and throughout 2014, but whether he meant new product categories like an iWatch or simply refreshes of Apple's existing products (like the new Mac Pro) is anyone's guess. Either way, there's no need to worry if the iWatch doesn't pan out—you can always rely on the Pebble watch or the rumored devices from Samsung, Google, or Microsoft to cover your unsightly naked wrists.

I'm in the market for a set-it-and-forget-it style smart band -- the UP or Pulse or something -- for measuring my daily activity. I have a Pebble and never use it. Reading text messages on my wrist is just not that useful...and even with Siri embedded, I don't see myself talking to my wrist.

That all said, I love using the Pebble wrapped around the handlebars on bike rides. I think there's a market for iPhone-connected devices and can be low-cost and low-powered, and provide small insights into various statuses.

I'd wonder if this isn't more the direction Apple is going...not a "watch" perse, but a smaller screen that allows you to keep your expensive and battery hungry iPhone display safe. Pretty tiny use case, but Apple has smarter guys than me.

I'm not buying the "companies file for protective trademarks all the time" argument unless we start seeing "iWristband, iWristphone" etc. I think the trademark filing means exactly what it looks like. Apple is bringing out a "watch".

Don't know when, don't know what it will look like, don't even know if I'll want one, but it should be interesting to see what happens.

Here we go. Only one thing is certain: lot of lawyers are going to make a lot of money. As for the device itself, I'm betting it will have no wireless (beyond Bluetooth), will have less space than its bulkier competitors, and some people will declare it to be lame.

I'd be curious to see if they are trying to hire any fashion designers. I mean this is "wearable computing", thus you gotta make it stylish. And a one-size-fits-all approach will not work either...look at just the analog comparison of men's and women's watches.

Didn't Apple effectively tip their hand to this at WWDC'13 when they announced iCloud Keychain? I think that the killer app for a smart-watch isn't telling the time, but identity validation. While a phone is easily lost or stolen, a computer strapped to your wrist is both more difficult to steal and can serve as a token in an n-factor authentication scheme. Add NFC-based authentication to devices in the Apple ecosystem and you'd be able to drastically reduce the burden of authenticating with your various devices and accounts, increase the security of those devices and accounts, or both. At some point the iWatch will rely on biometric factors to help facilitate identifying the user.

I just really hope that Apple opens up their authentication API so that users won't be forced to use iCloud Keychain or Apple devices to take advantage of this featureset.

I'll be interested to see how (if) they balance functionality with size. I personally don't care for huge watches, so I wouldn't really want something any bigger than the old ipod nano or shuffle on my wrist all the time.

But at that screen size, I'm not sure what I'd use the device for.

I'd think they'd have to make it more of a tethered device - not standalone. I could see a little utility there. device on my wrist controls the phone (answer calls, change song or volume) in my pocket and can pull and display some limited info.

Not unless it's a standalone always-connected device, with some clever UI that does not involve typing on a 1 inch square screen. I don't want a wireless wristwatch for my wireless phone.

Agree.

As for a UI.... bluetooth connectivity + voice activated dialing, etc. There are some good ways they can make this work. Apple might be able to create a very nice product if they don't take any shortcuts on this. Also, if they do it with comms.... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not make it an AT&T or Verizon exclusive.

I'm excited to see what they produce. The Pebble has replaced all my other watches for daily use, and I'll only go back to not-connected watches for special occasions. Apple is sure to do something big, so hopefully the market expands and pushes innovation.

I'd be curious to see if they are trying to hire any fashion designers. I mean this is "wearable computing", thus you gotta make it stylish. And a one-size-fits-all approach will not work either...look at just the analog comparison of men's and women's watches.

analog is so different than digital. even in purpose i think.in the digital realm i have no doubt apple can make something much nicer than whats out there now.

I'd be curious to see if they are trying to hire any fashion designers. I mean this is "wearable computing", thus you gotta make it stylish. And a one-size-fits-all approach will not work either...look at just the analog comparison of men's and women's watches.

analog is so different than digital. even in purpose i think.in the digital realm i have no doubt apple can make something much nicer than whats out there now.

How the interface is, possibly. However I mean the actual structure of the physical hardware. I mean, this is a clothing accessory, not a laptop...

iWatch is a BBC service. With Microsoft already risking to lose SkyDrive in the UK, I wonder how this will work out.

Not according to the UK's Intellectual Property Office it isn't. The Beeb's service is iPlayer.

A slightly suss sounding private company called AIO distribution Ltd, which apparently is some sort of sim card and accessory distributor based in Plumstead, London, has tried to register the iWatch trademark, but it is opposed.

Of course, AIO distribution could be a cover for Apple, but what little I've been able to find out about the company sounds amateurish beyond all reason.